UPDATE: State Police Investigating Domestic Dispute in Village of Pulaski

OSWEGO COUNTY – On October 8, 2025, at approximately 4:43 a.m., New York State Police responded to a report of a domestic incident on Port Street in the village of Pulaski.

Upon arrival, responding troopers received information indicating that a male subject had fled the scene with a handgun. Out of an abundance of caution, local law enforcement requested Oswego County dispatch to issue a “Hyper-Reach” emergency notification. A shelter-in-place advisory was issued to nearby residents at 5:35 a.m. While there was no direct threat to the broader community or school district, the Pulaski Central School District was notified and made the decision to temporarily close schools for the safety of students and staff.

A preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect, identified as Mark A. Vanwormer, age 58, of Pulaski, became involved in a verbal altercation with the victim, which escalated into a physical altercation involving choking. Fearing for his safety, the victim retreated and retrieved a handgun, which Vanwormer grabbed, using it to menace the victim. Vanwormer then fled the scene.

State Police later located Vanwormer in a garage on County Route 2. While he did not have the handgun in his possession at the time, he verbally admitted to placing it in a toolbox. The handgun was subsequently recovered by State Police. Vanwormer appeared to be experiencing a medical episode and was transported to Upstate Hospital for treatment. Upon release from the hospital, he was taken into custody by State Police and charged with the following:

• Menacing in the Second Degree (Class A Misdemeanor)
• Criminal Obstruction of Breathing (Class A Misdemeanor)
• Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (Class C Felony)

Vanwormer was transported to Oswego County CAP Court pending arraignment.

State Police were assisted by Oswego County Sherriff’s Office and Northern Oswego County Ambulance.

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